Внешнеполитический механизм и организация дипломатической службы Речи Посполитой и Великого княжества Литовского в 1569 - 1795 гг

Abstract

The article explores the mechanism of the foreign policy of Rzeczpospolita (RP) in 1569-1795 and reveals the peculiarities of the interaction of the organs of the state of RP (the King, The Sejm, the Chancellor, the hetmans, etc.) in the realm of foreign policy implementation. Attention is drawn to the political system peculiarities affecting the diplomatic service organization which resulted in separate diplomacies of the king and of the Republic. It is noted that the aspirations of magnates and szlachta to preserve the old order of "the golden liberties" hindered progressive restructuring of the diplomatic service of RP. Neglecting the advanced experience in diplomacy organization reduced its efficiency, made RP dependent on other countries and eventually led to its liquidation as a sovereign state. The article pays significant attention to the role played by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) in the foreign policy of RP and stresses that up to the end of the XVIIth century the ruling elite of the GDL strove to retain autonomy in diplomacy, forcing the Polish Kingdom to take the GDL's interests into consideration. The structures in the administration of the GDL entitled to foreign relations endured up to the end of the XVIIIth century. Especially important was the role of the GDL diplomacy in the relations of RP and Russia. At the same time the diplomats of the GDL within the term of RP existence did not limit themselves to the eastern direction but maintained contacts with the states of the Western Europe (Sweden, France etc.).